Disney Might’ve Just Cracked True Wireless Electricity [VIDEO]

Researchers at Disney, yes, that Disney, just had a major breakthrough that makes wireless power transfer a reality. It's basically wifi for electricity.

I've always wondered when, and if, we would be able to power things wirelessly. Technically, that sort of exists now with charging pads and the like, but I mean true wireless power. Charging or powering an electronic device from across the room via some sort of signal. Like how the smaller alien spaceships from 'Independence Day' were powered by the bigger ships. The idea might've been sci-fi in the mid 1990s, but it's approaching reality in 2017.

The idea is not a new one. In fact, the concept dates all the way back to 19th century inventor Nikola Tesla. While his theory has yet to come to fruition, a new one is in play over at Disney Research. And here I would've assumed Disney Research focused on how the circumference of Mickey's ears made parents more likely to spend money at their parks and other insanely deep-marketing studies of that nature.

Apparently, their wireless power transfer is created using a room made of aluminum panels, with a copper pipe at the center that contains capacitors. Sure, it's not the most ideal or practical design for every home right now, but I'm willing to bet the first wifi router looked like a semi trailer. They'll figure out how to make it smaller and more convenient. They always do. If you need a reminder, just look at your cell phone from a decade ago.

The energy is transferred to devices within the specialized room via electromagnetic frequencies, which are low enough that it is "completely safe" for humans to occupy for any amount of time. I'd still be a little freaked out at first, but just like anything new and kind of scary -- I'll get over it pretty quick when I never need to charge my phone again.